Site Issues/Suggestions

Games for Windows Forums ERROR REPORTING THREAD - Error? Post Here!

ICptJackSparrow — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:13:21 GMT

So since there seem to be ongoing issues with the site, I thought perhaps that a running thread of errors may be useful to the team in helping figure out what's broke on the site.

If possible,

post a screen cap of the error,
a description of what occurred leading up to the error,
and any steps you may have taken to avoid the error if you've encountered it before.

So other than the annoying "Sign In" page when posting, I get this one as well when posting, though TBH I got it this time by simply trying to get back to the main forum page, so I found this unusual this time:

Games for Windows Forums:
Server Error in '/' Application.

Item has already been added. Key in dictionary: 'APPL_PHYSICAL_PATH' Key being added: 'APPL_PHYSICAL_PATH'
Description: An unhandled exception occurred during the execution of the current web request. Please review the stack trace for more information about the error and where it originated in the code.

Exception Details: System.ArgumentException: Item has already been added. Key in dictionary: 'APPL_PHYSICAL_PATH' Key being added: 'APPL_PHYSICAL_PATH'

Source Error:

An unhandled exception was generated during the execution of the current web request. Information regarding the origin and location of the exception can be identified using the exception stack trace below.

Stack Trace:

[ArgumentException: Item has already been added. Key in dictionary: 'APPL_PHYSICAL_PATH' Key being added: 'APPL_PHYSICAL_PATH']
System.Collections.Hashtable.Insert(Object key, Object nvalue, Boolean add) +10062706
System.Collections.Specialized.NameObjectCollectionBase.BaseAdd(String name, Object value) +160
System.Web.HttpServerVarsCollection.AddStatic(String name, String value) +91
System.Web.HttpRequest.FillInServerVariablesCollection() +185
System.Web.HttpServerVarsCollection.Populate() +44
System.Web.HttpServerVarsCollection.Get(String name) +10951452
Telligent.LiveID.RPS.Components.RPSLiveIDUtility.GetSiteName(CSContext context) +75
Telligent.LiveID.RPS.Components.RPSModule.ProcessRequest() +666
CommunityServer.CSHttpModule.Application_AuthenticateRequest(Object source, EventArgs e) +828

[CSException: Error in AuthenticateRequest]
CommunityServer.CSHttpModule.Application_AuthenticateRequest(Object source, EventArgs e) +1028
System.Web.SyncEventExecutionStep.System.Web.HttpApplication.IExecutionStep.Execute() +80
System.Web.HttpApplication.ExecuteStep(IExecutionStep step, Boolean& completedSynchronously) +171

Version Information: Microsoft .NET Framework Version:2.0.50727.3053; ASP.NET Version:2.0.50727.3053

HELP ME about Redeem Code

AngleZero26 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:10:42 GMT

Recently, I just bought Resident Evil 5 from a shop. I install it and run the game. It says it needs a gamer profile in order for the save game to be available. So I create this account, this Games for Windows Live Account. I want to play online using this Games Windows Live thing, then I create account, etc, then it requires a 25 character product key for this game. What is that ? How can I get the product key ? I just don't understand it. Please explain it to me. I need to play this game online using Games Windows Live. I also Install the Games Windows Live Client and Click at the Redeem Code. HOW CAN I GET THE CODE ? SHOULD I BUY IT OR SOMETHING. PLEASE HELP, EXPLAIN AND REPLY ME ASAP, I'm NEW man~

Buying from GFWL Marketplace.

RavenLV — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:18:27 GMT

Hi!

I have a problem regarding shopping in the marketplace. I live in Latvia, I got a gamertag with region set US. OK, now I know that I can't directly add a credit or debit card, because I don't live in US. But when I have a valid paypal account which has been already activated with my card and bought from, it really pisses me off. As your customer I am very and I MEAN very unsatisfied.

I want to get 1000 microsoft points. When I try to reg my card, it says "Your card could not be authorized......", When I try to add a paypal account, when I press agree and confirm, it just tells me "We could not complete your request now, please try again later. Message 40000". WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!?

I bought a game that your service covers, so I deserve proper support for it, not just stupid error messages. I lose the game's value for money. And You lose direct cash.

Any fixes in mind, oh almighty Microsoft!?

Games for Windows Improvements

Flamestodeath — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:41:36 GMT

Okay, I'm sorta new to this - actually, I signed up just to write this. I started to notice that a lot of popular games did not have the Games for Windows label on them. After further research, I found out that the criteria for the Games for Windows was actually pretty harsh, putting quite a lot of extra effort onto the game developers. So, while I'm happy enough to voice my opinion, I'm going to go ahead and say that Microsoft needs a better approach to Games for Windows. Here are some of my suggestions:

These are the only things REQUIRED to be branded with a games for windows label.

1. The Game must run on PCs. No, I'm not kidding. I'm just getting the obvious out of the way.

2. The Game must cost under 40 US dollars (currency conversion taken at the moment of release).

Those are the only things that should be classified as requirements. The whole "Tray and Play" thing that Halo 2 had was nice, but I'd like it better if I could install the game onto my computer - it's one of the few reasons I don't play games on consoles.

Moving on, these are the things that the game SHOULD have. They are not required, but they may increase player enjoyment:

1. Achievements - this is one of the best parts of the XBox. If you're going to put a game under a label, give the gamers some sort of incentive.

2. Demos on the Games for Windows Live client - This will help people try out the game before they buy it - I have a friend who pirates games, but only the ones without demos.

3. Tighter cross-platform integration - this is something that should have been done A LONG TIME AGO. If we release CoD: MW2 for PC and XBox, why can't I play with my friends? Why, Microsoft? Because I'll destroy them in multiplayer? I don't think so. Actually, I wouldn't even mind if they had a requirement for XBox controllers - I would pay a couple bucks extra to play games cross-platform.

Lastly, these are the things MICROSOFT should do to increase game sales/awareness:

1. Improve Games Explorer - WTF? Game Explorer is nothing more than a folder full of shortcuts to games. I don't even think there's a gadget for it! And why is my window cluttered with useless games that "come with Windows 7"? I want to play solitaire once in a while, but not every day, thanks Microsoft.

2. Improve developer confidence - This could include more anti-piracy techniques, safer computing, more integration for the games to have with your pc etc. etc.

3. Get FULL GAMES on Games for Windows Live Client. Why does this not already exist? I don't care what you have to do, Microsoft. Buy steam, for christ's sake. Just get full games so that I don't have to go to the store and wait for hours in line to get my new copy of...whatever game is currently out.

4. Fix the problems on this list: http://hushedcasket.com/node/2024 All of these problems have no doubt been mentioned again and again throughout this forum, but regardless, you need to fix this Microsoft.

Thanks for reading. Please, discuss and I'll make improvements to this thread if there's something worth improving.

Not receiving email notifications!

hotchilli1327 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:48:56 GMT

I need to know if anyone is having the same issue that I am having since Friday.

Every post I used to make, I would get an email letting me know I posted it AND I would receive an email letting me know when someone else posted.

Now I am not receiving ANY emails. I checked my setting and every thing is still set to receive emails and I have not adusted anything.

Moderator, can you look into this and can anyone else let me know if they are having the same issues?

News Letter

thewindowsfreak — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:10:25 GMT

I know that GFWL used to send out a news letter but I have not seen a e-mail from them in a long time. Is there still a news letter going around?

Page not found for Wireless Gaming Receiver page

TheWax70 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:03 GMT

I was trying to get to the Wireless Gaming Receiver drivers so I went to this page(LINK) and click the "Official Website" link and it takes me to a "Page not found" on xbox.com.

I got the driver elsewhere, but I thought I just report this.

Woah Woah, what???

Drewbob247 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:08:41 GMT

I've gone to Games for Windows site about five times from Safari top sites. about 3 of those 5 it didn't work. It showed this:

Now I'm trying more and its working. But one time, when I clicked on that top link in that screenie... it showed the homepage without the picture change thing, only the article links.

sign in error

CloakedNavie — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:53:01 GMT

its agartvating me abit

Buying Points - Changing Region

MSLiveSUUUUUCKS — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:24:31 GMT

Hi all, if anyone could help with this I'd appreciate it.

I am trying to buy the Fallout 3 add-on, Broken Steel from GFWL. For that I need points and when I click the 'add' option I get directed to the XBox Live website.

Fine... so far, so good.

First thing I need to do is enter a billing address. But here is the problem... the 'Country/Region' field says 'United States' and I live in Canada and the field is static. Of course this stops me from entering valid billing info.

I've tried everything and in typical MS style, there are a thousand different places to do the same thing and none of them seem to do anything useful.

Does anyone know how I can edit my location so that XBox Live updates properly?

Thanks!

Saving Games for Windows.

VividNinjaScar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:44:19 GMT

Seriously, Microsoft, what are you doing? You have so much potential for a top of the line platform and you are pissing it away. Allow me to help with that, bros.

First of all, profitability. I understand that Games for Windows LIVE has been free for a while. I also understand that you take in absolutely no money from the users. A good way to combat this would be to give us the avatars and the arcade systems. Xbros pay for the avatar items, what makes you think PC users won't? Allow Indi developers to upload their own games on the arcade system, and take a slice of the pie. Not only does it help you, but the developers get to make some money as well. Hell, you can even slap an ad in there somewhere.

Next, piracy. You have recently updated Games for Windows LIVE to have Zero Day and SSA. This is a great step for convincing developers to release games under the LIVE brand. Have the arcade games linked to the account, and you are doing just fine on this.

The interface is the next obstacle we shall tackle. The current interface is pretty well, but you can only access it in LIVE enabled games. Why not extend the service to be usable in all Games for Windows titles, much like Steam and Xfire. Also, an out of game system would come in handy.

Cross-platform play, you must support it. Doing this will expand the community exponentially. Only three games support it at this moment in time, but so many more would benefit from it. I know this is a developer decision, but you should push for it as much as possible.

Microsoft, I am what you call a fanboi. I love you guys, and I want so much to see you succeed on the platform where this all started. Don't abandon Games for Windows, and especially not Games for Windows LIVE.

Passport problems

o C I A o — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:37:13 GMT

How do i change my screen name to my current gamertag account. This is my old gamertag from a year ago...

Risen and Tropico Pages..

GFWFanboy — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:40:58 GMT

Are they still updating the pages?

________________________________________________________________________

The Elite Ninja is going to invade Games For Windows LIVE soon!! - Get Petition for this.. lets have more Fighting Games for GFWL..

Games for Windows Live support for Latin America. When this will ocurred?

no0bZkilah — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 23:35:34 GMT

Nowadays most of the games are GFWL which they can't be played online if you don't live in a supported country.

WHEN IS GFWL COMING TO LATINAMERICA, specially Chile?

reporting abuse option still not working

SpectralRaziel — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 21:29:37 GMT

This was reported as not working months ago by myself and others.

If this function was working correctly it would make the job of moderating the forum much easier.

Is there actually any chance that this will be fixed at some point?

played live games in the marketplace app

jedimasterc06 — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:35:05 GMT

I think the played live games should be taken out of the marketplace section and put onto the menu bar section on it's own.

Then when we go onto this section instead of showing demo's, videos and add ons couldn't it be used instead to show our achievements and online game saves instead.

It would also be nice to have an option for gears of war to backup our current gamesaves as the game doesn't save the games online so that if we have to re install the game or windows we could then restore the gamesaves upon re installation of game and client.

My Avatar and Gamerscore on the Main Page

ArtemB1988 — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:08:49 GMT

Please be generous to add "Sign in" button to the main page [top right corner, just like at xbox.com]

Overthebelow having some issues with posting

exoduslow — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:56:15 GMT

Overthebelow is having problems posting. He says that he could post before he had a virus, but all of a sudden errors appear when he clicks 'reply'. here is one of the errors:

but that isn't the only one he gets.

any idea whats going on for him? thanks.

psst..... GFWLMod hey wanna know something???

Anonymous — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 02:39:35 GMT

*massive edit by GWFLMod*

Words from Major Nelson (XBOX LIVE)

As you know, we are committed to keeping Xbox LIVE (you can include GFWL) a safe and fair place to play for the more than 17 million active members. As part of our regular safety monitoring we have pinpointed a group of players who have unlocked specific achievements through an unauthorized hack. Deliberate cheats like these are in direct violation of the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use and will not be tolerated. As I post this, we’ve begun taking steps to reset the Gamerscores of the offending players. As I have mentioned in the past, this is something we do occasionally to keep the service free of cheating in order to maintain a fair and level playing field for everyone. If you play fair and earn your achievements without glitching or cheating, you have nothing to worry about. Read my original post that shows what a cheater looks like and head over to Xbox.com to read the Gamerscore correction FAQ that may answer some of your questions.

[Please visit the site to access the poll]

Games for Windows - LIVE Setup

Krucifide — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 05:37:01 GMT

I have a suggestion, either create a progress bar that actually shows the progress, or remove it so I don't sit there waiting thinking it's going to be done soon.

Thanks.

When GFWL updates a game...

Funtastwich — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 21:22:30 GMT

there should be two things:

1. an indication of HOW BIG the file is.

2. A progress bar that actually gives an accuarate percentage along with a download speed.

There is no excuse for not including this. Please foward this to devs.

Link broken on homepage

DarkestSoul X21 — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 01:22:26 GMT

On the homepage of the GFW website. When I click on "Learn about the new Self-Certification Program" It says the page can't be found. Just letting the team know.

Achievements and DLC for all GFW games not just live.

Fire Dude 5 — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 02:25:18 GMT

Dear Game for windows,

I just want to say that for all the great game out there for the PC platform only a couple have achievements and some dlc available, so, I was goning to ask you guys at GFW if you can make the experence more like the 360! I'm asking that you have every upcomming game for windows game have the ability to have friends and achievements for more pc gamers to get more use out of their gamer cards. because I love GFWL but the choices and options are just so limited. I just wish to increece the amount of updates and DLC for games like xbox. and we would all like to see more achievemnts.

Thanks

What is happening to site?

GFWFanboy — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 05:38:19 GMT

what's that EVENT post with 2/26/2009 date? some pages are screwed.. Other Game pages are lacking Information and Achievement lists..

SECTION 8, Stormrise are one of them, and no Game Features included on some LIVE games aside from before they're putting lots of info.. :-( WHere are the

web developers who should be responsible for this? If people will to visit the site i don't know either.. LOLZ